Drop In Class Suits War Hawk

By Jeff Collerson
Two of War Hawk's past three races have been in Group One and Group Two races so the Penny Hutchinson owned and trained greyhound should relish a massive drop in class at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.

After finishing fifth to final winner Dutch Riot in a Group One Paws Of Thunder heat at Wentworth Park on January 13 War Hawk beat all but the placegetters in Comet A Cost's Group Two Ladbrokes Bulli Gold Cup heat last Saturday.

This Saturday War Hawk will exit box two in the Ladbrokes Sports Bar Stakes, a 520m fifth grade, and Penny Hutchinson said: "Box two should suit him, he likes being drawn near the rails.

"Although his best time in two races at Wentworth Park is 30.24 he has trialled there in either 29.60 or 29.70, I can't remember exactly, over 520m.

"War Hawk has won 10 of his 20 starts but has been lightly raced because his career was delayed through him having a major setback while he was being reared.''

The modest Hutchinson added: "War Hawk is a very fast dog and I'm sure his record would be even better if a really good trainer had him.

"I've only been training for around 18 months so it was pretty exciting behind the boxes for the Bulli Gold Cup heat when I was standing there alongside all these famous trainers.''

Hutchinson, who bought War Hawk as a puppy, took up training as a hobby when her three daughters grew up and left home while husband David is in the navy.

War Hawk and trainer Penny Hutchinson


Franky Bear took his record to 18 wins from 36 starts when he scored in 30.18 on debut at Wentworth Park last week and trainer Jamie Bush expects the dog to improve in this Saturday's Simply Limelight At Stud Stakes, a 520m fourth and fifth grade.

Gunnedah-based Bush said: "Franky Bear had never seen Wenty before last week and flopped out of the boxes before seeming to get a bit lost.

"I think he will go better this week but he will need to because it is a tougher race.

"While he had box one last week I'm not too concerned about box six on Saturday because he will run straight to the first turn.''

Bush has Jeanie Cargo, beaten in a Photo finish by Franky Bear last week, and Julia Bush opposing War Hawk in Saturday's Ladbrokes Sports Bar Stakes.

"Jeanie Cargo made the early  pace last Saturday but Julia Bush can always lead her in trials and races so Saturday night will be interesting,'' Bush said.

Jeanie Cargo | Photo: Dubbo Greyhound Racing Club


Best bet on Saturday should be Fear The Dragon, who dwelt at box rise when beaten a half length into second place by Poco Rico at Wentworth Park last Saturday.


Fear The Dragon, who boasts the outstanding tally of six wins and three placings from 10 starts, is ideally drawn in box one and should only need to come out on terms with his rivals to win.

Black Misery had no luck when a distant second behind Topper Tszyu at Wentworth Park last Saturday and looks good value in this week's Ladbroke It! Stakes, a 520m fifth grade.

Last week Black Misery stumbled and almost fell at the jump, before circling the field after being among the tailenders entering the back straight.

Black Misery

Best Bet Fear The Dragon (race 4)
Best Value Black Misery (race 2)

Quaddie
Race 5 - 4, 6
Race 6 - 1, 6, 8
Race 7 - 2, 5, 4
Race 8 - 4, 5
$20 for 55.55%